Debunking Common Myths About Zion, Israel, and Yeshua’s Reign

The purpose of this write-up is to thoughtfully and biblically challenge several long-standing assumptions regarding Zion, Israel, and the return of Yeshua. Through careful examination of Scripture, we seek to clarify what the Bible truly says—and does not say—about these key topics.

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📜 Myth #1: Every reference to Zion, Israel, or Jerusalem refers to modern-day Jerusalem or earthly Israel.

This is simply not true. While some passages clearly reference the historical city or the Promised Land, the vast majority of prophetic scriptures that mention “Zion,” “Jerusalem,” or “Israel” are not about earthly geography but rather about New Jerusalem—a heavenly city and eternal kingdom that will descend from heaven (Revelation 21:2–3).

Examples include:

• Isaiah 2, Micah 4, Joel 2–3, Jeremiah 3:14–18, and Psalm 132:13–14 — These describe a restored Zion or Jerusalem where God dwells “forever,” language that cannot apply to a city on the current Earth, which will pass away (Revelation 21:1).

• Micah 4:1–2 — This is often assumed to describe a future era of peace in earthly Jerusalem, but the context reveals a heavenly reality. Verse 7 clarifies: “The Lord will reign over them in Mount Zion from that day forth and forevermore.” Since no earthly city can last forever, and Scripture teaches that the present earth will be destroyed (Revelation 21:1; Isaiah 65:17; 2 Peter 3:10), this Mount Zion must refer to New Jerusalem, the eternal dwelling of God. This aligns with Hebrews 12:22, which identifies Mount Zion as the heavenly city believers have already come to. 

• Isaiah 31:5-6: refers specifically to Jerusalem during Isaiah’s time, describing God's protection over the city in response to the threats of that era—not a prophecy about the eternal city. 

• Psalm 48:1–3 and Psalm 2:6–9 — These may hold double meanings, reflecting both historical Jerusalem and future New Jerusalem.

• Ezekiel 36 — Often claimed as a modern prophetic promise, this chapter was originally addressed to Israelites in exile and dispersion during the Babylonian captivity. Its context is anchored to the 70-year exile and the generation of Zerubbabel who returned to rebuild Jerusalem and the Second Temple (Ezra 1–3). There is no indication in the text that these promises extend beyond that historical window into modern political times, especially not beyond the destruction of the Second Temple in 70 CE. The restoration language must be viewed in light of that era’s covenant renewal, not future geopolitical ambitions.

• Ezekiel 43:7 — Speaks of God's throne in a place He will inhabit “forever,” aligning with New Jerusalem, not temporary earthly land.

• Deuteronomy 30:3–5 — Often cited to support a return to modern Israel, this passage initially referred to the return from exile, but prophetically points to the greater gathering through Messiah and covenant. It foreshadows the global invitation into God's eternal inheritance (Hebrews 11:13–16; Romans 4:13).

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👑 Myth #2: Yeshua will reign physically from the current land of Israel.

This is a theological assumption not directly supported by Scripture. There is no verse that plainly says Yeshua will physically reign from modern-day Jerusalem or walk on this Earth again. While we fully affirm that Yeshua will return and that He will rule the nations, we believe He will do so from the clouds, with heavenly authority and power—not from a throne on the physical Earth.

Scriptures like 1 Thessalonians 4:16–17, Acts 1:9–11, Matthew 24:30–31, Daniel 7:13–14, and Revelation 1:7 describe Him returning “with the clouds,” and believers being caught up to meet Him. The emphasis is not on Him touching Earth but on ruling above it—and through His disciples now, tomorrow, and throughout the Millennial reign (Revelation 20:6).

It’s also important to address a common misunderstanding about Armageddon. Some have assumed that this location—mentioned in Revelation 16—is where Yeshua will establish His throne or initiate His earthly rule. However, Scripture makes it clear that Armageddon is not a place of divine authority but a gathering ground for demonic spirits and the rebellious kings of the earth. Revelation 16:13–16 describes it as the staging area for the final conflict between the forces of darkness and the will of God. Yeshua does not reign from Armageddon—He confronts and defeats evil there. His rule is marked by holiness, justice, and glory, and it is not connected to any earthly battlefield, but rather proceeds from a heavenly position of power and dominion.

☁️ Reigning from the Clouds – Not the Ground

We affirm Yeshua’s return—but also believe He will not set foot on Earth again, either in this age or the next. He will return in the clouds, and rule from above (1 Thessalonians 4:16–17). His rule will extend to Earth, but He will govern through His saints and heavenly authority.

Scripture	Key Point
1 Thess. 4:16–17	Saints meet Yeshua in the air
Acts 1:9–11	Yeshua returns in the same way He ascended — in clouds
Matthew 24:30–31	He returns in the clouds to gather His elect
Revelation 1:7	All will see Him coming in clouds
Daniel 7:13–14	Son of Man comes with clouds to receive dominion
1 Corinthians 15:51–52	Believers are transformed at His coming

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🌍 Myth #3: “Israel” refers exclusively to the Jewish people.

This is a common but incomplete view. While the Jewish people today are widely associated with the tribe of Judah, the term “Jew” (Yehudi) actually came to represent a broader group of Israelites—a mixture of multiple tribes who were part of the Babylonian exile and eventual return to Jerusalem. It is a myth that Jews are solely descended from the tribe of Judah. In reality, many individuals from the southern kingdom of Judah included remnants from Levi, Benjamin, Simeon, and likely even refugees from the northern tribes, who had fled south before the Assyrian conquest (see 2 Chronicles 11:16–17; 2 Chronicles 15:9).

Over time, the term 'Jew' became a general label for all those who preserved covenant identity and worship centered on the Law given through Moses—regardless of tribal ancestry.

Furthermore, the northern kingdom (10 tribes) was dispersed by Assyria (2 Kings 17:6) and scattered throughout the nations all over the Earth. These people merged with other nation populations, and over centuries and millennia, the tribal lines blurred. As a result, no one today can definitively deny Israelite tribal or genetic identity—because anyone could potentially carry that heritage. This aligns with God’s promise to Abraham that his descendants would be as countless as the stars in the sky. 

From God’s perspective, Israel was always defined by covenant, not by race or DNA. The Torah itself included the “mixed multitude” (Exodus 12:38) that came out of Egypt as part of Israel. Isaiah 56:3–7 speaks of foreigners who join themselves to the Lord and are fully accepted. Paul affirms this in Romans 2:28–29: “For no one is a Jew who is merely one outwardly... but a Jew is one inwardly, and circumcision is a matter of the heart.”

The covenant was first ratified by the blood of animals (Exodus 24:8), but after Yeshua, it is sealed once for all by His blood (Hebrews 9:11–14). Therefore, those who walk in faith and obedience to Yeshua are considered part of Israel by covenant, not by ancestry (Galatians 3:26–29; Romans 11:17–24).

NOTE:  This is not replacement theology. Israel is still the chosen family of God. Revelation 21:12 confirms that the names of the twelve tribes of Israel are written on the gates of the everlasting city. That city is the family home of Israel, and all who are grafted in through Yeshua—including Jews and all nations—are invited to become part of that household. It is not about bloodlines but about belonging through covenant.

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📖 Scripture References:

• 2 Kings 17:6 – Assyrian exile of the northern kingdom

• 2 Chronicles 11:16–17; 15:9 – Northern tribes migrated to Judah

• Exodus 12:38 – Mixed multitude in the Exodus

• Isaiah 56:3–7 – Foreigners joined to the Lord

• Romans 2:28–29 – Circumcision of the heart

• Galatians 3:26–29 – All who belong to Messiah are Abraham’s seed

• Romans 11:17–24 – Grafted into the olive tree

• Revelation 21:12 – Names of the tribes on the gates of the eternal city

• Hebrews 9:11–14 – Blood of Yeshua as the final covenant seal

• Matthew 1; Luke 3 – Genealogy of Yeshua

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🔥 Myth #4: “Jewish people are Israelites, and everyone else is either Gentile or from the nations.”  

This is a simplification that obscures the deeper covenantal identity revealed in Scripture. While Jewish people today are part of Israel, they do not solely define Israel. The Bible never limits Israel to ethnic Jews, nor does it define everyone else as permanently “Gentile.” In truth, Israel has always been the covenant family of God on Earth—a people defined by their relationship to Him, not by bloodline or label.

From the very beginning, “Israel” referred to those in covenant with the God of Israel. Abraham himself was called out from among the nations (Genesis 12:1–3), and through his faith, he became the father of many nations (Romans 4:16–18). Even during the Exodus, a mixed multitude came out of Egypt with Israel and was counted among God’s people (Exodus 12:38, 48–49).

Paul affirms this in Romans 9:6–8, writing: “For not all who are descended from Israel belong to Israel... it is not the children of the flesh who are the children of God, but the children of the promise.” Likewise, Ephesians 2:12–13 reminds us that those once "alienated from the commonwealth of Israel" have now been brought near by the blood of Messiah. But this does not create a third category. You are either in covenant as Israel, outside the covenant as the nations, or in rebellion altogether.

Some people try to carve out a theological middle ground called “the Commonwealth of Israel,” imagining a sort of hybrid identity between Israel and the Gentiles. But Scripture never presents a third category. There are only three spiritual conditions described in the Bible:

1. Israel – those in covenant with God through faith and obedience.

2. The Nations (Goyim) – those outside the covenant but not inherently excluded.

3. The Rebellious / Children of the Devil – those who knowingly reject God’s rule and belong to the domain of darkness (John 8:44; Ephesians 2:2–3).

When Scripture speaks of “Israel,” it is speaking about anyone—regardless of ethnicity—who is in covenant with the God of Israel. As Paul declares in Galatians 3:28–29: “There is neither Jew nor Greek... for you are all one in Messiah Yeshua. And if you are Messiah’s, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to promise.”

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📚 Scripture in Context: Clarifying the Foundation 

Many of the myths we’ve addressed—whether about Zion, Yeshua’s reign, Israel’s identity, or covenant boundaries—are often built on isolated readings of Scripture. Below is a breakdown of commonly referenced passages that are used to support these traditional interpretations. However, when viewed in context—and through the lens of covenant, Messiah, and eternity—these same scriptures tell a much different story.

What follows is a categorized timeline of key prophetic texts. I've included my perspective alongside each, to help distinguish between what points to earthly events, what has already passed, and what clearly speaks of God’s eternal Kingdom, which is not bound to this present world.

🅰️ Before the Exile

• Joel 2–3, Isaiah 2, Isaiah 24:23, Micah 4, Jeremiah 3:14–18, Jeremiah 30:1–11 – Prophecies of New Jerusalem

• Jeremiah 30:12–24 – Earthly Jerusalem during pre-Yeshua return

• Psalm 2, Psalm 48, Psalm 132 – Future rule from Zion/New Jerusalem

🅱️ During the Exile

• Ezekiel 43:7 – God's throne "forever" = New Jerusalem

🅾️ Returned or After the Exile

• Zechariah 8 – Earthly Israel, but expires at Yeshua

• Zechariah 10 – Refers to Israel of that time

• Zechariah 14 – Mixed: Apollyon (vv. 1–4), Return (vv. 5,13–15), New Jerusalem (vv. 6–12, 16–21)

• Luke 1:32–33 – Yeshua’s throne = New Jerusalem

• Matthew 5:33–35 – Refers to eternal heavenly pattern

• Acts 1:1–11 – Yeshua avoids affirming a future earthly reign

• Revelation 2:26–27; 3:12; 16–17; 21:2–3 – Kingdom is in New Jerusalem, not modern Israel

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🧠 Closing Thoughts

It’s time we reevaluate some of the assumptions we’ve inherited—assumptions about geography, genetics, and the nature of God's Kingdom. The Scriptures reveal a far deeper truth:  God’s people are defined not by human lineage, but by the blood covenant of Yeshua—and His Kingdom is established by heavenly authority, not by national borders.

The idea that Yeshua must reign from modern-day Israel, or that “Israel” refers exclusively to the Jewish people, or that there are rigid separations between Jews and Gentiles—these are traditions shaped more by history and politics than by careful reading of the text. Scripture consistently speaks of Yeshua returning in glory—not to dwell on Earth, but to reign from the clouds—and of God's people being those who are in covenant with Him, regardless of ethnic origin.

We see in passages like Galatians 3:29, Romans 9:6, and Ephesians 2:12–13 that covenant status is what determines true Israelite identity. And we are reminded in Revelation 21:12 that the names of the twelve tribes are etched into the gates of the eternal city—signifying that Israel is not just preserved, but glorified in God's eternal plan. That city is the home of God's family, and everyone who walks in covenant with Yeshua is invited in—not as guests, but as heirs.

There is no third category. You are either in covenant with God as Israel, outside as the nations, or opposed to God altogether. The invitation remains open: Come into covenant through the blood of Yeshua, and take your place among His people.

Let the Scriptures—not tradition—define who we are and where we’re going. Let covenant, not lineage, determine who belongs to the family of God.

- Written by Martin and Kayla Briggs of Birmingham, AL 

The Cost and Scale of Constructing the New Jerusalem: A Modern Perspective

The New Jerusalem—the Holy City—described in Revelation 21:9, is not simply an artistic metaphor or a poetic dream. It is a real, divine capital of staggering wealth, radiant purity, and eternal purpose. During His earthly ministry, Yeshua gave us a subtle but profound key to grasp its worth:

“And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin. Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these.”
— Matthew 6:28–29 (NIV)

In His comparison, Yeshua reveals something shocking: from the perspective of heaven, even Solomon—earth’s richest and most splendid king—is outshone by a mere lily in the field. That statement would make no sense unless He was measuring from the wealth of the place He came from—the New Jerusalem.

So what does that say about us?

Today, the total combined wealth of the world exceeds $500 trillion. Skyscrapers pierce clouds. Cities gleam with gold-plated opulence and artificial intelligence. Empires rise and economies surge. Yet from heaven’s viewpoint, even this entire sum would not equal a single lily. That’s how radically different the wealth of New Jerusalem is from our world’s highest accomplishments.

This article offers an earthbound estimate of what it might cost to construct such a city today—not to contain heaven in dollars, but to provide a tangible lens for grasping the magnitude of what God has prepared. It is a reminder that our worries, possessions, and even our greatest architectural feats pale in comparison to the glory that awaits.

🌿 Why worry, Yeshua asks, when everything we stress over is insignificant compared to what God has already prepared for those who love Him?

 

The City’s Magnificent Scale

Overall Dimensions: The Holy City of New Jerusalem is envisioned to span 1,380 miles in every direction, equating to a floor plan that would stretch from the northeastern corner of North Dakota to Columbus, Ohio, down to Laredo, Texas, and across to Salt Lake City, Utah. This immense distance forms a perfect cube with a total land area of approximately 1.9 million square miles.

Vertical Scale: To comprehend its height, Mount Everest, the tallest peak on Earth at 5.5 miles, pales in comparison. Ascending to 1,380 miles would require 125 round trips up and down Mount Everest or an astonishing 2,500 trips up and down the Empire State Building.

The Estimated Costs

1. Gold Structure: The weight of the city—77.64 quadrillion gold ounces—would translate into an estimated value of $1.475 sextillion ($1.475 × 10²⁰) at today’s gold prices.

Jasper Walls: The walls of the city are described as being 144 cubits (216 feet) thick and constructed from jasper. You could fit approximately five full standard city buses (each 40 feet long) into 216 feet of space, with a little extra space left over. The amount of jasper required for the walls alone would weigh approximately 930.68 trillion tons, with an estimated value of $186.14 quintillion.

3. Pearl Gates: The twelve gates are twelve pearls, each gate made of a single pearl.  Each gate standing an estimated 320 miles tall and 40 feet thick. Constructing these gates would require approximately 7.48 billion pearls per gate, weighing a total of 24,732 tons for all gates combined. At a valuation of $350 million per ton of pearls, the total cost would be approximately $8.66 trillion.

4. Precious Stone Foundations: The city’s foundation is detailed as comprising 12 layers of precious stones:

• Jasper: 1.35 trillion tons valued at $270 quadrillion
• Sapphire: 2.08 trillion tons valued at $2.496 quintillion
• Agate: 1.37 trillion tons valued at $20.55 quadrillion
• Emerald: 1.43 trillion tons valued at $5.005 quintillion
• Onyx: 1.35 trillion tons valued at $13.5 quadrillion
• Ruby: 2.08 trillion tons valued at $3.12 quintillion
• Chrysolite: 1.71 trillion tons valued at $102.6 quadrillion
• Beryl: 1.40 trillion tons valued at $70 quadrillion
• Topaz: 1.82 trillion tons valued at $45.5 quadrillion
• Turquoise: 1.35 trillion tons valued at $67.5 quadrillion
• Jacinth: 1.82 trillion tons valued at $273 quadrillion
• Amethyst: 1.37 trillion tons valued at $13.7 quadrillion

Total Foundation Value: Approximately $11.5 quintillion.

The Monumental Comparison

To put these figures into perspective, the global GDP for 2023 was estimated at $105.4 trillion. The projected total cost of building the New Jerusalem, including materials and labor, reaches $2.54 sextillion. This cost is approximately 24.1 million times the size of the current global GDP.

Labor and Total Cost

Assuming labor costs are roughly 60% of the total material expenses, the estimated expense for labor adds approximately $0.954 sextillion to the material cost of $1.59 sextillion, bringing the grand total to $2.54 sextillion.

The Sheer Impossibility

The construction of the New Jerusalem is not just economically staggering but also logistically unimaginable. The estimated total weight of 17.77 quadrillion tons for the foundations alone is 394.89 billion times the mass of the foundation of the Burj Khalifa. This vast and celestial vision underscores the symbolic and spiritual meaning of the city, transcending any real-world equivalent.

Conclusion

The Holy City to come as description in the Revelation 21:9-26, when considered through a modern lens, reveals a project so grand that it would dwarf the world’s combined economic and material resources. The total estimated cost of $2.54 sextillion highlights the city’s unimaginable scale and value, embodying a divine ideal far beyond human capacity. This perspective deepens the awe-inspiring vision of the New Jerusalem, presenting it as an unparalleled testament to divine glory and grandeur.

The scale of 24.1 million times is almost incomprehensible when applied to the realities of our world. To put it simply, finding examples on Earth where one thing is exactly 24.1 million times bigger than another is exceedingly rare because of the sheer magnitude of that comparison. Such a scale is so vast that it stretches beyond what we typically encounter in our daily lives. It highlights that the New Jerusalem, as described, is not just grand—it transcends human experience and imagination. This helps to illustrate the extraordinary and divine nature of this biblical city, reminding us that its scale and value surpass anything that exists or could be built on Earth.

Additional thoughts:  

The Contrast Between Human Ambition and Divine Design: The Tower of Babel vs. The New Jerusalem the Holy City 

The Tower of Babel was humanity's ambitious but flawed attempt to build a structure reaching the heavens, driven by pride and the desire for self-glory. In contrast, the New Jerusalem described in Revelation 21 is a divine and perfect city, descending from heaven with 12 jeweled foundations and four towering walls stretching 1,380 miles high, giving it the appearance of a magnificent tower. While Babel symbolized human effort and division—ultimately halted by God, leading to the scattering of people—the New Jerusalem the Holy City represents divine unity and fulfillment. It embodies what Babel could never achieve: an eternal, God-ordained city where the divine and the redeemed dwell together. This heavenly city surpasses human imagination and effort, illustrating that true grandeur and lasting unity come not from human ambition but from divine purpose and glory.

Exploring Christianity from a Hebraic Perspective with The Briggs

Dear friend,

Yours truly, Martin & Kayla, have crafted this message with anticipation of connecting with fellow believers in Yeshua (Jesus) like yourself. We share an appreciation for the Hebrew roots of our faith and a desire to explore the deeper connection between Christianity and the founding fathers of our faith in the “Old Testament,” also known as the Tanach (comprising the books of law, the prophets, and collected writings).

To us, worshipping God from a biblical perspective means recognizing that the God of Israel is the same God from Genesis to Revelation—unchanging, eternal, and consistent in all He has spoken. Yeshua did not “start” being God in the New Testament; He has been God from the very beginning. As John 1:1–3 declares, “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through Him all things were made; without Him nothing was made that has been made.”

Therefore, from the first words spoken in Genesis to the final words in Revelation, Yeshua is the eternal Word of God. Anytime God speaks, it is Yeshua. Anytime Yeshua speaks, it is God. They are never separated, and they always speak the same truth—truth that is everlasting, unchanging, and binding for all generations. The “Old” and “New” Testaments are not in competition—neither is more or less relevant than the other. Both carry equal weight and significance, and together they form one seamless, unbroken revelation of God’s Kingdom.

With that truth in mind, there’s something vital to settle before you begin the journey of walking in His ways:

Before you consider the do’s and don’ts of God’s law…
Before you study the calendar, adjust your diet, or mark your first Sabbath on the calendar…
Before you embrace the Hebraic perspective of worship…
We urge you to pause and ask yourself one life-defining question:

“Am I willing to give my whole heart to God and to His family—the Twelve Tribes of Israel—who will, for all eternity, live and rule from New Jerusalem the eternal holy city of God?”

Because if your heart belongs first to God and His people, then everything else—the commandments, the feasts, the Sabbath—flows naturally from love. You obey because you love the One who gave the instruction and the family He has called you into. But if you strive to keep every rule without ever falling in love with the King and His Kingdom family, then you may find you’ve been living under obligation rather than within the Kingdom itself.

This is the heart posture of Ruth, the Moabite woman who, though a foreigner, bound herself to the God of Israel and His people with an unshakable covenant of love. Her words echo through history as the very heartbeat of true conversion:

“Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you.
Where you go I will go,
and where you stay I will stay.
Your people will be my people
and your God my God.
Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried.
May the LORD deal with me, be it ever so severely,
if even death separates you and me.”
(Ruth 1:16–17)

Notice Ruth didn’t begin her journey by asking for a list of rules. She began with love and loyalty—to Naomi, to God, and to God’s people. And because her heart was already His, obedience followed.

That is the challenge we place before you—not simply to learn about the feasts, the Sabbath, or the dietary instructions, but to decide right now whether you will join yourself fully to the God of Israel and His Kingdom family. If your heart says yes, then everything you learn will be anchored in love. And love will make the walk lighter, the sacrifices joyful, and the obedience full of life.

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Once the heart is fully His, the next step is to understand how to walk it out. The commands, the appointed times, and the patterns given in Scripture are not a cold checklist—they are the roadmap for loving God in Spirit and in Truth. We start with the heart because only a heart surrendered to God will truly obey Him. But when that love takes root, we can then embrace the path He’s set before us—learning the ways of His Kingdom and living them out with joy.

The greatest day for any believer is the moment we find our Savior Yeshua and become grafted into His family as sons and daughters, as co-heirs of His Kingdom. Yeshua stated in his word, Matthew 5:17-20:

17 “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. 18 For truly I tell you, until heaven and earth disappear, not the smallest letter, not the least stroke of a pen, will by any means disappear from the Law until everything is accomplished. 19 Therefore anyone who sets aside one of the least of these commands and teaches others accordingly will be called least in the kingdom of heaven, but whoever practices and teaches these commands will be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20 For I tell you that unless your righteousness surpasses that of the Pharisees and the teachers of the law, you will certainly not enter the kingdom of heaven.

When Yeshua stated he has come to fulfill the word, that means to us that the law or the instruction of the Old Testament was a gift from God in development from the time of Adam through the prophet John the Baptist. These Laws would be sealed and now fully ready for delivery to the world after the death and ultimately the resurrection of Jesus. For greater clarity, if we said we owned a 'fulfillment center', what would that mean? It is a place for something to be developed, packaged, and ready for delivery. That is exactly what Jesus meant when he said I have come to fulfill the law. Meaning before his time on Earth, the law was a gift from God being processed, developed from the time of Adam through John the Baptist. This new product is now sealed and delivered to the world for use. Which means, as he said, the law is not abolished but now ready for instruction and utilization. Therefore, it's crucial to understand that every 'New Testament' writer aimed not to abolish the law but to guide us in its practice.

With that being said, it is very important that believers from all Nations understand that it is us who are being grafted into the family of the Old Testament, from Adam through John the Baptist. We are meant to practice and worship God as He instructed the Kingdom of Israel. In your journey to reestablish the heritage of your forefathers, you will begin to explore the following practices:

• Abstaining from certain foods.
• Obedience to the Ten Commandments.
• Weekly Shabbat practiced from Friday evening through Saturday evening.
• The annual holidays appointed by God Himself, known as biblical feasts, include Passover, Feasat of Unleven Bread, Shavuot (also known as Pentecost), and all the Fall festivals such as the Feast of Trumpets, Yom Kippur, and Sukkot.

These four observances, coupled with the acceptance of Yeshua as our eternal Lord and Savior, constitute what we perceive as the non-negotiables of faith. There are also a total of nearly 1,700 other commands that we are instructed to follow from Genesis to Revelation. Certainly, we believe the reason the Lord our God made so many commands is to emphasize that our righteousness will never be good enough to enter into the Kingdom of God without the blood sacrifice of Jesus.  According to the word of God,

'All of us have become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous acts are like filthy rags; we all shrivel up like a leaf, and like the wind our sins sweep us away.' --Isaiah 64:6

While we are commanded to follow all the laws of the Bible from Genesis to Revelation, it is impossible to do so entirely. This could be due to our lack of awareness of certain laws, our inability to adhere to them fully, or because we perceive some laws as irrelevant or unachievable in today's context. In any case, no one has or ever will fully comply with the letter of the law; we all fall short. Thus, we rely on the grace of Jesus to bridge the gap.  We can say that as you navigate your journey to find your walk with God through a Hebraic perspective, you will find the greatest controversies related to the following topics:

• Sexuality and marriage
• Defining the weekly Sabbath (Shabbat)    
• The practice of Easter, Halloween, Christmas, and other festivals 
• Dietary rules
• 'Law' vs 'Grace'  
• The sacrifice of circumcision 
• Zionism
• The role of women  
• Outward expression of devotion to God including hair, makeup, and apparel styles

As each one declares our path of faith, we can guarantee you one thing: each person will have their own unique relationship with God, and no one is fit to judge anyone else's walk with God as better or lesser than their own. 

Resources to consider for next steps 

- Riverbranch Community, from a doctrinal perspective, appears to be one of the most biblically aligned ministries we have encountered. Their teachings consistently point back to Scripture as the ultimate authority, and they have cultivated a strong global community where believers from around the world can connect, learn, and grow together in their walk with God.  

- Celebrating Jesus in the Biblical Feasts: Discovering Their Significance to You as a Christian, Author: Dr. Richard Booker

- Becoming Israel - Leaving Babylon, Leaving Religion, and feeling alone.......IT'S BY DESIGN - This message will certainly bring encouragement as you journey out of the grand scale of institutional faith and into the scattered diaspora of Israel dispersed throughout the world.

A Personal Update:
Written in late April 26,  2025, just over a year after the original post.

Since first writing this article, my perspective on Hebrew roots has undergone a radical transformation. I've come to realize that many doctrines taught within Christian, Jewish, and Messianic circles, from my current understanding, often stand in opposition to the Word of God. I encourage you—just as I continue to do—to carefully and prayerfully scrutinize every teaching you encounter including the resources I recommended against Scripture itself. Stay anchored in the Word above all.

Here are additional resources we have produced that we hope will help you along the way: 

'Spirit and Truth' for life - his document presents a living, collaborative exploration of what it means to worship God in Spirit and Truth, inviting feedback from devoted believers across diverse backgrounds as we refine our shared faith

Honoring Shabbat: A Scriptural Guide to the Sabbath - This study traces Shabbat from Creation through Moses and Yeshua, showing it as God’s covenant gift designed to teach His people how to rest, trust, and live free from striving. Grounded in the full sweep of Scripture, it presents Shabbat not as a burden, but as a joyful rhythm of rest, gratitude, and relationship with God.

Debunking Common Myths About Zion, Israel, and Yeshua’s Reign - The purpose of this write-up is to thoughtfully and biblically challenge several long-standing assumptions regarding Zion, Israel, and the return of Yeshua. Through careful examination of Scripture, we seek to clarify what the Bible truly says—and does not say—about these key topics.

Does the Law Still Matter? – This blog explores the enduring role of God’s law in the life of a believer, especially in light of Yeshua’s fulfillment of the Torah. With clarity and conviction, it challenges modern interpretations that dismiss the law, inviting readers to reconsider its purpose, beauty, and relevance through a Messiah-centered lens.

May these resources be a guiding light as you embark on your own journey of discovery and faith.

Pass Through: A 90-Day Transformative Weight Loss and Vitality Plan (Part 2 of 2)

Designed to restore the body by renewing the blood

The Pass Through is a 90-day commitment designed to support weight loss, metabolic restoration, and long-term vitality by aligning daily habits with how the body was designed to heal.

This plan is not about extremes or deprivation. It is about removing what inflames, nourishing what restores, and giving the body enough time to respond at a cellular and systemic level.

A Note on the “Why” Behind This Plan

Before you begin, you may find it helpful to understand why the Pass Through is structured the way it is. I’ve written a companion article that explores the biological and Scriptural foundations behind this plan—specifically the role of blood renewal, time, and restoration in the healing process.

You can read that article here:
Why the Pass Through Works: A Testimony of Blood, Time, and Restoration

While not required to follow the plan, this article provides helpful context for those who want a deeper understanding of the principles at work.

The Core Reset: Removing the Primary Sources of Inflammation

For 90 days, the Pass Through focuses on eliminating—or significantly reducing—the three most common dietary drivers of inflammation, metabolic dysfunction, and excess weight:

1. Dairy

Eliminate all conventional dairy products, including cheese and pasteurized animal milk.

This step often supports:

• reduced mucus and congestion

• improved respiratory clarity

• decreased inflammatory response

Note: This guidance is directed primarily at pasteurized dairy, which is widely available and commonly associated with mucus production and inflammatory response in many people. Truly raw milk is a fundamentally different product and is not readily accessible to most. While some individuals report benefits from raw milk when tolerated well, it is not required for—and is not central to—the Pass Through framework. Those who choose to explore raw dairy should do so thoughtfully, with discernment, and based on their own body’s response.

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2. Refined Foods

Remove refined and processed foods such as:

• bread, pasta, flour, and wheat products

• fried, battered, or bakery foods

This reduction helps:

• lower systemic inflammation

• reduce bloating and gut irritation

• stabilize appetite and energy

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3. “White” Sugar

Eliminate refined sugar sources, including:

• carbonated beverages

• alcohol

• candy, chocolate, desserts

• sweetened juices

This supports:

• insulin regulation

• detoxification pathways

• more sustainable weight loss

As a general guideline, foods packaged with more than 3–5 ingredients tend to work against restoration rather than toward it.

Refraining from pork and shellfish remains spiritually beneficial and consistent with biblical dietary wisdom.

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Eating by Design: The Manna Rule

The Pass Through emphasizes eating foods provided by God in their natural form, rather than manufactured substitutes.

Follow what I call the Manna Rule:

“Eat only what you need for the day—no more and no less.”
(Exodus 16:16–18)

This practice nurtures both:

• physical health

• spiritual dependence and trust

Foods to Enjoy Freely

• Fruits

• Rice

• Potatoes

• Grains and oats

• Nuts

• Beef

• Fish

• Poultry

• Vegetables

These foods are offered as a practical foundation for nourishment without overstimulation or excess. The beauty of the Pass Through is that it is flexible enough to adapt to individual preferences, sensitivities, and even ongoing healthcare or medical treatments. It is not my intent to debate food choices; adjustments are welcome so long as the body continues to receive sufficient protein and essential nutrients to remain strong and supported. What should be avoided, however, is unintentionally drifting into malnutrition, which can create more harm than healing.

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What to Expect Over 90 Days

While individual outcomes vary, a consistent pattern has emerged over time:

• Day 30:
  Improved energy, reduced inflammation, and initial weight loss

• Day 60:
  Increased fitness capacity, improved recovery, continued fat loss

• Day 90:
  A deeper sense of restoration, metabolic stability, and sustained vitality

This timeline aligns with the body’s natural blood renewal cycles, allowing early changes to mature into durable results.

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Fasting: Accelerating Restoration

For those seeking deeper restoration, consider incorporating a weekly fast from sundown to sundown.

This practice:

• supports gut and metabolic reset

• reduces inflammation

• mirrors Scriptural rhythms of fasting

• accelerates healing without force

During fasting periods, hydrate with plenty of water.

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Pulse and Purpose: The Role of Elevated Heart Rate

Movement is essential.

Aim to elevate your heart rate for 15–45 minutes at least three times per week.

You are exerting appropriately when you can clearly feel your pulse at the wrist or neck.

Regular cardiovascular activity:

• accelerates fat loss

• improves circulation and oxygen delivery

• supports detoxification and recovery

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Hydration and Beverages

Water remains the foundation of hydration.

In addition to water, the following are acceptable and may be included as needed:

• plant-based milk   

• clean protein powders

• coffee and unsweetened tea (use sparingly and only when desperate) 

For minimal sweetness, natural options such as agave nectar may be used sparingly.

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Tapering In and Out Matters

Abrupt change can stress the body.

Before starting:

• gradually reduce dairy, refined foods, and sugar

After completing:

• slowly reintroduce richer foods

This gentle transition honors the body’s healing process and supports long-term success.

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Substances and Timing (An Important Note)

While the Pass Through focuses primarily on food, it would be an oversight not to acknowledge that nicotine, narcotics, and substance dependencies—including alcohol when addiction is present—are never wise for the body and should ultimately be addressed.

That said, I do not recommend attempting to eliminate addictive substances at the same time as beginning the Pass Through plan. Doing so can place excessive stress on the body and nervous system, increasing the risk of overwhelm rather than healing.

For those facing addiction, I encourage pursuing healing and support for substance dependence as a separate and intentional process, ideally with proper guidance and accountability. Once stability has been established, the Pass Through can then be practiced more fruitfully as a restorative discipline rather than an added strain.

The goal is not to overload the body, but to support healing in the proper order and season.

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Progressive Benefits and Long-Term Practice

Results vary based on discipline, movement, and individual physiology.

For optimal benefit:

• practice the Pass Through one full quarter per year (90 days)

• maintain it as a foundational lifestyle the rest of the year as much as possible

Those facing chronic illness, injury, or metabolic dysfunction may consider extending the plan toward 120 days, in coordination with a healthcare provider, to allow for full blood renewal and deeper restoration.

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A Closing Encouragement

The Pass Through is not a test of endurance, nor a measure of worth. It is simply an invitation to align daily choices with how the body was designed to heal—patiently, consistently, and in proper order.

Whether practiced for 30 days, 90 days, or extended further when needed, the value of this plan is not found in rigidity, but in faithfulness. Small, obedient steps taken over time often produce deeper restoration than drastic change pursued all at once.

Listen to your body. Honor wise counsel. Move forward without fear or pressure.

Healing is rarely rushed—but it is often found by those willing to walk steadily.

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Written by: Martin A. Briggs

With gratitude to my wife, Dr. Kayla L. Briggs, and to the many counselors and advisors who have contributed to these conclusions.

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Disclaimer

I am not a medical professional. This reflects my personal witness through years of practice. Always consult a licensed healthcare provider before making significant dietary, exercise, or fasting changes, especially if you have underlying health conditions.

2 Sam 7 - The Key of David

These scriptures are the Key of David and are the inheritance of the kings of Jesus.  

Revelation 1:6; Revelation 17:14; Revelation 3:7; 2 Samuel 7:11-16; Mt. 26:17–30, Mk. 14:12–26, Lk. 22:7–39, Jn. 13:1–17:2

Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches

This promise to the kings of the Kings of Kings king Yeshua can be said to anyone.  I've placed my name in this promise but really you should place your name where I have placed mine so that you embrace the covenant as your own.     

“‘I the Lord declare to you, KMBriggs, that I the Lord myself will establish a house for you: When your days are over and you rest with your ancestors, I will raise up your offspring to succeed you, your own flesh and blood, and I will establish your kingdom.  KMBriggs, you will build a house for my Name, and I will establish the throne of your kingdom forever.  I am your father, and you are my son and daughter. When you do wrong, I will punish you with a rod wielded by men, with floggings inflicted by human hands. But my mercy will never be taken away from you, as I took it away from Saul, whom I removed from your forefather King David.  Your house and your kingdom will endure forever before me; your throne will be established forever.’”

Please Please I can't Breathe Your Knee is my Neck

According to Revelation 19:11-13 the Bible says 

With justice, the Word of God judges and wages war.

or put another way 

With righteousness, the Word of God judges and makes war.

Every day, all over the world, people are crying out, 'Please, please, I can't breathe. Your knee is on my neck.

Are we searching for them?  When we see them are we judging their lives through the lens of the word of God?  Are we actively fighting injustice with justice?  

Leading with an eye for Justice 

The greatest challenges faced by the oppressed are not just the actions of their abusers, but the silence of Christians who fail to keep an active eye for justice. We are called to continually examine our own lives for injustice—within our homes, our churches, our workplaces, our schools, our communities, and beyond. Satan has his knee on the necks of many, and we do not have to look far to see it. God has given each of us the privilege and responsibility to step in and free those who are being harmed.

Waging War with the Word of God

With an active eye judging the world around us, it’s vital that we wage war against the oppressor using the Word of God—not an earthly perspective. Far too often, we judge others through the lens of human opinion rather than God's truth. In the case of George Floyd, the officers saw him as a criminal, a drug addict—those things may have been factually true, but they were the wrong frame of reference. Had they judged through the Word of God, they would have first seen Mr. Floyd as a child of God, worthy of salvation, dignity, and redemption.

Let us rise as the Church and actively seek out those in our homes, schools, workplaces, communities, and beyond—those upon whom Satan has placed a spiritual knee of affliction, abuse, and oppression. Let us wage war against injustice with the living Word of God as our sword, tearing down strongholds of evil wherever we find them.

Satan, get your knee off their neck in Jesus' name!

enclosure

Four Powers – C SD M Mitigation Industry

CONCEPTION - The conception of the ULECx Investment Corporation d/b/a Oasis Venture Studio occurred in the winter of 2004 at 1112 North 40^th Street Suite #1 Omaha, NE 68131.  A vision appeared to Martin & Kayla Briggs and together, on a snowy day, they mapped a collage made of magazine clippings to express the meaning of the vision.  From that day forth, Martin and Kayla committed their lives to successfully establishing the foundation of ULECx. 

KM Briggs Dream Wall Winter of 2004

STRATEGY - C SD M Organized Services: ULECx Investment Corp. is a for-profit investment entity organized to respond to the four powers of the Pale Horse Rider and the hell that follows him: “the sword, famine, pestilence, and the wild beast of the earth” 

7 When the Lamb opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creature say, “Come!” 8 I looked, and there before me was a pale horse! Its rider was named Death, and Hades was following close behind him. They were given power over a fourth of the earth to kill by sword, famine and plague, and by the wild beasts of the earth.  (Rev 6:7-8)

These four biblical forces 'sword', 'famine', 'plague', and 'wild beasts' are present on the Earth and will continue to rapidly increase over time.  We call these forces the 'four powers' and have given each force a name to help define a mitigation industry with the acronym of CSDM:   

1)     Conflict - a fight, battle, or struggle, especially a prolonged struggle; strife

2)     Scarcity – severe shortage, want, lack, paucity even up to the point of death 

3)     Disease – a disordered or incorrectly functioning organ, part, structure, or system of the body resulting from the effect of genetic or developmental errors, infection, poisons, nutritional deficiency or imbalance, toxicity, or unfavorable environmental factors; illness; sickness; ailment.

4)     Murder – lethal beings of all kinds including humans, animals, insects, plants, etc 

There are at least three ways that the Biblical family of Israel will thrive both on the earth and maintain spiritual harmony with heaven in a CSDM environment:   

1)     Peacemaker  - services include dispute management, defensive protection, organizational consolidation services, health & human services etc

2)     Gateway – connector (or communications of) material and non-material resources

3)     Supplier – operations that address, organize, maintain, manage, store, restoration, and/or dispose of the byproduct of CSDM will have the greatest economic returns.  In general, the supplier role will be the least challenging to maintain and will endure over a long period of time.       

FOCUS: The KMBriggs strategy to develop the world’s most influential organization is limited to geographic parameters and to the gates of CSDM within the realm of Health and Human Services. The core of our geographic emphasis is Birmingham, AL with plans to expand to the state lines of Alabama.  Our growth strategy firmly entails establishing CSDM Organized Services within the realm of Health and Human Services to the point of saturation within the region of Birmingham, AL.  We will slowly move outward toward the state borders.  Upon accomplishing such the aforementioned goals within Alabama, we will concentrically expand our network beyond state borders.  There is far greater value in fostering CSDM market penetration and saturation in tightly focused geographic areas with circumferential growth, over an interest in broadly dispersed geographic locales and industry diversification.  Our father Joseph the Vizier of Egypt ruled the earth without leaving his thrown.  The world came to him.   

MIRACLES:  ULECx will successfully manage and reap from CSDM through the power of miracles given to us by the grace of the Pishon Spring.  The Fathers Grace abounds upon us from the sacrifices we submit before His anointed son the Lord of the Gihon Spring.  We shall return to the King of Havilah all power, wealth, wisdom, strength, honor, glory, and praise!  We shall thrive and abound with youthful vigor to the very day the beast that comes up from the Abyss will attack us, and overpower and kill us in the year of our Lord and Savior Yeshua the Messiah 3834 A.D.   

*Miracle - an effect or extraordinary event in the physical world that surpasses all known human or natural powers and is ascribed to a supernatural cause.

I would be remiss if I did not mention the fifth horse rider named Word of God and Lord of Lord and King of Kings who is sovereign over all things.  Praise God that in all seasons no power has ever or will ever be greater than The Word of God.     Revelation 19:11-16  

I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and wages war. 12 His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has a name written on him that no one knows but he himself. 13 He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God. 14 The armies of heaven were following him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean. 15 Coming out of his mouth is a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. “He will rule them with an iron scepter.” He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty. 16 On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written:

king of kings and lord of lords.